Portland weather emergency alerts and how to receive them

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658.

When inclement weather or storms brew in the Portland area, there are a few ways that residents can stay informed through local and regional alert systems. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we want you to have the necessary information to ensure you receive these emergency alerts during stormy weather. 

The City of Portland uses the following alert systems. 

1. Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that may be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information. EAS interrupts radio and television broadcasts to deliver safety instructions, but you can also hear their broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radios. The National Weather Service (NWS) is the agency that most often activates the EAS in Portland. 

2. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

WEA allows countywide and regional text warnings to be delivered directly to WEA-enabled mobile devices. The public does not need to register for this service. WEA geo-locates individuals so messages will reach all WEA-capable devices within the specified area, including visitors. 

3. Community Emergency Notification System (CENS)

CENS is a system operated jointly by the City of Portland and Multnomah County. CENS is used for urgent safety warnings to stay indoors, evacuate or take other safety actions. 

You can register to receive CENS alerts by visiting PublicAlerts.org and signing up to receive voice, text, and/or email messages. The system is also capable of sending messages in the ten languages more commonly spoken in Portland. Please note: CENS cannot reach people with urgent messages if they do not have a telephone. 

4. PBOT and ODOT message boards

When motorists are the affected individuals of the weather event, message boards can be a valuable resource to warn motorists of hazards, such as high water. 

Being prepared for stormy weather is the first step to preventing property damage due to weather events. If you do sustain damage to your home or business this winter, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658 as soon as practical. 

Source: City of Portland